Chapter 63. The "hug-obsessed" guy is confirmed! Okay, fine...
Lin Yan practically shuffled into the Imperial Study.
Last night's earth-shattering "let's try" and this morning's suffocating shared bed were still playing on repeat in his mind, so much so that when he saw that familiar imperial desk and the person sitting behind it, his cheeks began to heat up uncontrollably again.
Xiao Che was reviewing memorials when he heard the sound. He looked up, his gaze falling on him for a moment, and a slight, almost imperceptible curve appeared at the corner of his lips: "You've arrived?"
His tone was so flat, it was as if he were asking, "Have you eaten?"
Lin Yan quickly lowered his eyes and bowed, saying, "Your subject pays his respects to Your Majesty."
"Rise." Xiao Che put down his pen and beckoned to Lin Yan, "Come here."
Lin Yan glanced at the silent palace servants, then shuffled over to Xiao Che's side.
Xiao Che's gaze fell on Lin Yan, and he asked seemingly casually, "I just saw you talking to your father outside. Is something wrong at home?"
Thinking of this, Lin Yan chuckled: "My father's acquisition of the Northern Rong prince was too shocking and unconventional. Fearing that I would feel uncomfortable, he comforted me and said that it was fortunate that I did not fall for that Agula."
Lin Yan laughed more and more as he thought about it, a look of exasperation on his face: "Your Majesty, what is my father thinking? He actually thinks I would be interested in Agula? And he's worried that I'll go back to Beirong with Agula."
Even if he falls for a foreigner, he will not leave his family or his homeland.
This is ancient times; there is no internet, and it's impossible to contact others via mobile phone. Lin Yan is worried about not being with her family.
Xiao Che remained calm and simply replied, "Lord Lin is just being overly concerned."
He naturally took Lin Yan's hand and asked casually, "So how did you reply to him?"
Lin Yan scratched his head, a little embarrassed: "I told my father that he can rest assured that I would never be interested in Agula. I already have someone I like, and it's not him."
Xiao Che's breathing paused for a moment.
She raised her eyes and looked at him calmly: "Did you tell Lord Lin that you have someone you like?"
"Ah, yes," Lin Yan said dryly. "I told him, but I didn't say who it was. I just said there was such a person, but he wasn't from Bei Rong. I told my father not to worry. Although my father was still worried, his expression softened a lot when he heard it wasn't Agula. Compared to Agula, he felt I could like whoever I wanted, really."
As Lin Yan spoke, he himself realized that his logic was a bit strange, and he couldn't help but laugh again.
Xiao Che was in a great mood.
In that case, he should thank Agula.
Xiao Che looked at Lin Yan's smiling face, a faint smile also flashing in his eyes.
Despite his words, Lin Yan did not forget his duties. He suppressed his smile and said seriously, "Your Majesty, the Emperor's birthday celebration has just passed, and the end of the year is fast approaching. The Ministry of Rites has submitted the draft regulations for the New Year's Eve banquet. I have taken a quick look at them, and they are generally in accordance with the old customs. However, this year is Your Majesty's first New Year since your ascension to the throne, and it is not far from the Emperor's birthday celebration. Should we add some new touches to the details to show the solemnity?"
Lin Yan took out the list from his own desk and handed it to Xiao Che. The list detailed the New Year's Eve banquet's schedule, seating arrangements, music and dance performances, and other details.
Xiao Che glanced at the thick summary, frowned slightly, and said with a hint of weariness that was rarely seen but almost a complaint: "It's the same every year. The officials kowtow, say some auspicious words, watch the same songs and dances, and have to pretend to be friendly with those ministers and envoys who have different thoughts. It's really boring."
He put down the summary and looked at Lin Yan. In his usually deep and unfathomable phoenix eyes, Lin Yan's figure was clearly reflected, with a genuine sense of disdain: "I think it was more comfortable and enjoyable to walk with you on the streets outside the palace during the last birthday celebration. That was the happiest birthday I've ever had."
This was the first time Lin Yan had heard Xiao Che complain about work in such a childlike tone, as if he had taken off the heavy armor of an emperor and revealed the ordinary person inside who also felt bored and longed for ease.
An indescribable emotion welled up inside me, a mix of bittersweetness and tenderness.
Before the brain even thinks about it, the body acts first.
Lin Yan walked around the imperial desk, went to Xiao Che's side, reached out and gently hugged him.
Xiao Che's body stiffened visibly for a moment, seemingly completely unprepared for Lin Yan's sudden action.
The palace servants standing in the imperial study had already lowered their eyes as if they were part of the background.
Lin Yan held Xiao Che in his arms, feeling the tension in his muscles, but he didn't let go. Instead, he patted Xiao Che's back and spoke in a soft, comforting voice: "Your Majesty has worked hard. Those kinds of occasions are quite tiring, with many rules and regulations that are mentally taxing."
He paused, then his tone became lighter: "But the New Year is all about being lively and having a family reunion. If Your Majesty would like to relax a bit, how about we sneak out for a stroll on New Year's Day after the New Year's Eve banquet? I've heard that the night market is even more lively on New Year's Day. We can go eat freshly made sugar-coated fritters and look at the novelties on the stalls, just like last time. Your Majesty won't bring your brothers and sisters, and I won't bring my family either. Just the two of us."
Xiao Che's tense body gradually relaxed under Lin Yan's clumsy but sincere embrace and soft words.
After a moment of silence, she rested her chin very lightly on Lin Yan's shoulder: "It's a deal."
"Okay, it's a deal!" Lin Yan smiled, his eyes crinkling, feeling as if he were holding not the mighty Emperor of the Great Yu, but a large canine who had finally received the promise of candy.
[Oh my, His Majesty has such a side to him, like a child asking for a holiday, it's quite adorable.]
[He's definitely a hugging addict. Okay, you can hug him more often from now on.]
Xiao Che: "..."
Cute? Hug addict?
A hint of helplessness flashed in Xiao Che's eyes, but he quietly wrapped his arm around Lin Yan's waist, pulling him closer into his embrace, savoring this moment of tenderness and peace.
With Lin Yan by their side, cracking jokes and making light of things, those tedious procedures seemed less repulsive.
When the two of them work together, their efficiency is remarkably high.
Lin Yan was responsible for sharp critiques and proposing streamlined solutions, while Xiao Che was responsible for making final decisions and approvals. Their tacit understanding was as if they had been working together for half their lives.
Soon, the thick stack of regulations was processed.
When Li Defu stepped forward to collect the documents he had reviewed, he kept his eyes down, pretending not to see that Scholar Lin's head was almost touching His Majesty's shoulder.
Xiao Che picked up the last list of officials who needed to attend the banquet at the palace. His gaze lingered on the name "Hanlin Academician Lin Yan" for a moment, then he naturally picked up the vermilion pen and lightly crossed it out.
"Your Majesty?" Lin Yan was drinking water from his teacup when he noticed Lin Yan's actions and asked vaguely.
Xiao Che handed him the list, his tone as casual as if he were saying that the weather was nice today: "New Year's Eve is a family banquet, a night of reunion. Your parents and sister are all in the capital, so you can stay home and keep them company. You don't need to come to the palace to report for duty. The palace doesn't need you."
Lin Yan took the list and looked at the clear red ink mark. In an instant, he understood.
This person genuinely wanted him to be relaxed and at ease, to have a warm and joyful New Year with his family, rather than confining him to this inner palace, forcing him to act out a drama of harmony between ruler and subject.
A warm current flowed through my heart, both warming and swelling.
Lin Yan put down the list and teacup, said nothing, but turned around, reached out again, and hugged Xiao Che tightly, burying his face in the crook of his neck and rubbing against him forcefully.
"Hmm?" Xiao Che chuckled at his sudden "attack," but firmly wrapped his arms around him and gently patted his back. "What's wrong? Clingy?"
Lin Yan's muffled voice came from under his shoulder: "I'm happy."
After thinking for a moment, he added confidently, "Anyway, His Majesty likes hugs, so I'll give him more, so that the emperor won't have to secretly figure out how to get hugs."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Che burst into laughter, tightening his grip on her arm even more: "Hmm, that makes a lot of sense. Then thank you for your consideration, Minister Lin."
Lin Yan's ears burned a little. She forced a hum and pulled away from his embrace, trying to keep a straight face: "If Your Majesty has nothing else, I... shall take my leave?"
"Go." Xiao Che's smile hadn't faded as he looked at him gently. "Remember our promise from the first day of the lunar new year."
"I can't forget it!" Lin Yan waved his hand and walked briskly outside. When he reached the door, he couldn't help but turn back and smile at Xiao Che before slipping out.
Lin Yan walked briskly out of the Imperial Study, but did not immediately head out of the palace. Instead, he stood under the corridor for a moment, his gaze sweeping around before finally locking onto Li Defu, who was directing the young eunuchs to work.
He took a deep breath, his face regaining its usual gentle and composed demeanor as a Hanlin scholar, though a slight warmth still lingered in his ears. He slowly walked towards Li Defu: "Eunuch Li."
Upon hearing the voice, Li Defu immediately turned around. Seeing that it was Lin Yan, a genuine smile appeared on his face, and he bowed slightly: "Lord Lin, is there anything else you wish to instruct me on?"
His eyes revealed his understanding; from now on, this Lord Lin would be more than just a close advisor to the emperor.
Lin Yan led him to a quieter spot by the pillars of the corridor before lowering his voice and speaking somewhat apologetically: "There is indeed something I would like to trouble you with privately, sir."
"Scholar Lin, you are too kind. Please give your instructions, and this old servant will do his best to fulfill them." Li Defu's smile deepened, and his tone became very warm.
Lin Yan carefully considered his words, lowering his voice further: "His Majesty has graciously granted me permission to stay home and keep vigil with my parents on New Year's Eve. However, considering His Majesty's busy schedule of banquets in the palace, even though New Year's Eve is lively, it will inevitably feel somewhat lonely."
Lin Yan glanced at Li Defu and saw that the other was listening attentively without any surprise in his eyes, before continuing, "I was thinking, on New Year's Eve, I wonder if it would be possible to trouble you, Eunuch, to send a reliable person to my house quietly? I would like to deliver some things to His Majesty."
Li Defu was an extremely shrewd man, and he immediately understood. His smile almost overflowed as he quickly replied, his tone full of assurance: "Lord Lin, rest assured, this old servant understands. Leave this small matter to me. You just need to prepare at home. I will send someone to handle it properly for you and will definitely bring your 'concern' to His Majesty intact."
He deliberately emphasized the word "concern" slightly, with a hint of good-natured teasing.
Lin Yan's ears turned even redder, and she solemnly cupped her hands in thanks to Li Defu: "In that case, thank you very much, Eunuch Li. With your words, I can rest assured."
"Oh dear, Lord Lin, you flatter this old servant!" Li Defu quickly stepped aside to avoid the curtsy, his smile deepening. "It is this old servant's honor to be able to share Scholar Lin's burdens. If His Majesty knew of your intentions, he would be overjoyed."
His last sentence was quite meaningful.
Lin Yan is getting to know him better; it's probably his first time dating, so he's still a bit shy.
After thanking Li Defu repeatedly, Lin Yan finally felt relieved and left the palace to go home.
Li Defu stood there, watching Lin Yan's departing figure, shook his head with a smile, and muttered to himself, "What a thoughtful person... His Majesty is loved by someone."
He turned around, already mentally planning how to handle this task on New Year's Eve.
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